Hybrid Polyolefin Composite for Low-Shrinkage Battery Separators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Li-ion battery separators face challenges in achieving chemical stability, mechanical properties, wettability, dimensional stability, shutdown, and low thermal shrinkage due to limitations of olefin polymers, which are exacerbated by the mixing and dispersing issues of inorganic materials and olefin polymers during manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
An organic-inorganic hybrid polyolefin composite is developed, comprising a polyolefin and a non-porous inorganic material bonded to at least a portion of the polyolefin, with the non-porous inorganic material content ranging from 0.4 wt% to 12 wt%, enhancing mechanical properties, wettability, and dimensional stability while preventing thermal shrinkage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If inorganic materials are added to improve mechanical properties and dimensional stability, then strength and rigidity are improved, but mixing and dispersing problems occur leading to deterioration of physical properties over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining polyolefin with specific inorganic materials (silica, alumina, or titania) at controlled ratios (1:99 to 4:96 by weight) to achieve both improved mechanical properties and dimensional stability while preventing the mixing and dispersing problems that cause deterioration over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the content ratio of inorganic materials (0.4 wt% or more, preferably 1-10 wt%) and the particle size (0.1-10 μm) to optimize the balance between mechanical strength, wettability, and long-term physical property stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If inorganic materials are mixed to improve wettability and dimensional stability, then surface properties are improved, but dispersing issues cause deterioration over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the particle size of inorganic materials (0.1-10 μm) and their content ratio (1:99 to 4:96 by weight) to optimize the balance between dimensional stability and prevention of dispersing issues that cause deterioration
3Reliability
If polyethylene and polypropylene are mixed to achieve chemical stability and mechanical properties, then basic requirements are met, but wettability, dimensional stability, and thermal shrinkage control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining polyolefin with specific inorganic materials (silica, alumina, or titania) at controlled ratios to achieve both the required chemical stability and enhanced functional properties including wettability, dimensional stability, and thermal shrinkage control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by introducing inorganic materials with specific surface properties that locally enhance wettability and dimensional stability while maintaining the bulk chemical stability provided by the polyolefin matrix
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The hybrid composite effectively addresses the mixing and dispersing issues of inorganic materials and olefin polymers, maintaining excellent mechanical properties, wettability, dimensional stability, and low thermal shrinkage, thereby improving the performance and longevity of Li-ion battery separators.
Implementation Method 1
a non-porous inorganic material bonded to at least a portion of the polyolefin
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an organic-inorganic hybrid polyolefin composite and a preparation method of the same.